Before you start reading this chapter, I just wanted to say  that I'm writing a new fanfiction about Noah, and if you're interested you can check it:) You can find it on my profile, it's called  "Between The Reverberations."

The stage was a riot of colors, the set awash in blue and gold with the iconic The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon logo gleaming under the lights. Nalani stood at the center, microphone in hand, her pulse pounding to the rhythmic thrum of the crowd's anticipation. Josh, Edward, and Jeremy were positioned behind her, their instruments poised and ready. Nicole and Mark were backstage, eyes glued to the monitor, both looking like they were holding their breath.

"Ladies and gentlemen, performing their latest single, Rise of the Damned, give it up for War in the Hell!" Jimmy Fallon's voice echoed through the studio, the crowd erupting in cheers.

The lights dimmed, leaving only the spotlight on Nalani. She exchanged a quick glance with Edward, who nodded, his fingers strumming the opening chords that reverberated throughout the studio. The beat was powerful, electric, shaking the room with a surge of adrenaline.

Nalani took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and stepped forward. The lyrics poured out, each word laced with intensity, a fierce declaration that resonated deep within her. The audience responded, clapping and swaying to the music as the band commanded the stage. Jeremy's drumming was a force, blending seamlessly with Josh's bassline that pulsed through the floor.

Backstage, Mark stood with his arms crossed, eyes wide. "They're killing it," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

Nicole, standing beside him, shot him a smirk. "Of course they are. We wouldn't be here if they weren't."

Mark nodded, but his jaw tightened. He couldn't help worrying about the next part—the interview. It was live, unpredictable, and he knew that each of them was capable of dropping a bomb without even meaning to.

The song reached its crescendo, Nalani's voice soaring above the instruments, raw and powerful. The crowd roared as they held the last note, the music hanging in the air like electricity. Then, silence.

For a heartbeat, the room was still. Then, the applause exploded, thunderous and relentless. Nalani's chest heaved, eyes scanning the audience and landing on the camera lens. She gave a small, triumphant smile before looking back at her bandmates, who wore matching grins.

"Thank you!" she called, the band giving a collective bow before exiting the stage.

As they walked backstage, Mark's anxiety switched from high alert to outright dread. The band had done phenomenally, but now came the wildcard: the interview.

Jimmy's voice boomed over the PA system as the house band played a jazzy tune. "That was War in the Hell, ladies and gentlemen! Now, let's bring them over for a chat!"

The band exchanged glances, with Nicole whispering, "Please don't say anything that will make Mark's hair go gray."

Josh chuckled. "Too late. He's already halfway there."

Nicole gave them all a playful shove towards the entrance to the main set, her eyes gleaming. "Go out there and act like normal humans, for once."

With mock salutes, they walked out to more applause. The stage felt different now, smaller, under the scrutiny of cameras and bright lights. They settled into the couch opposite Jimmy's desk, the host grinning widely as he clapped along with the audience.

"Wow, guys, that was incredible!" Jimmy said, leaning forward with genuine excitement. "You really brought the house down. How do you feel?"

Nalani took a second to gather herself before replying. "We feel great! This is surreal. Thanks for having us."

"Of course! Now, I have to ask, what's the story behind Rise of the Damned? The title alone sounds like it belongs in an epic movie trailer."

Jeremy jumped in first, his grin cheeky. "Funny you mention that, Jimmy. We actually tried pitching it to a few action movie directors. No bites, but they're missing out."

The audience laughed, and Jimmy's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Their loss, for sure. So, who's the mastermind behind the lyrics?"

Nalani raised her hand with a sheepish smile. "Guilty. It started as a way to process everything we've been through as a band. You know, fighting our way up from playing in basement bars to being here now. It's been a ride."

Jimmy nodded knowingly. "I can imagine. You've got this fierce energy, but you also seem really close. Any crazy stories you can share?"

Edward leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Oh, where do we start? Let's just say, Josh once managed to lock himself inside our van. We had to bribe a locksmith at three in the morning to get him out."

Josh threw his hands up. "In my defense, it was dark, and I thought the sliding door was automatic."

The studio audience burst into laughter, and even Jimmy couldn't suppress a giggle. "Automatic sliding doors on a tour van? I like your style, Josh."

Mark, watching from the backstage area, buried his face in his hands. "Please don't let them mention anything worse," he muttered.

Nicole patted him on the shoulder. "Relax. So far, so good."

Jimmy leaned back in his chair, eyes glancing playfully at Nalani. "So, Nalani, you're the voice of the band and the one penning a lot of the lyrics. Is there any truth to the rumor that some of your songs are inspired by, let's say, special someone?"

A ripple of tension passed through the band, but Nalani kept her cool. She shot Jimmy a practiced smile. "A songwriter never reveals their secrets. Keeps things interesting, don't you think?"

"Oh, mysterious!" Jimmy said, tapping his desk. "I like it. So, I'm taking that as a maybe."

The audience laughed, and Edward piped up, "You'll just have to wait for the next album, Jimmy."

Nalani exhaled in relief as Jimmy's attention shifted to Josh. "Speaking of albums, I heard that you guys are working on some new material. What can you tell us?"

Josh leaned into the mic, a playful smirk on his lips. "Well, we could tell you, but then we'd have to make you sign a non-disclosure agreement."

The room erupted in laughter again, with Jimmy throwing his hands up. "No spoilers, I get it. But can we expect any new directions, different sounds?"

Jeremy chimed in, "Definitely. We've been experimenting with some new instruments and even some guest collaborations. But don't ask us who—we'd really need that NDA."

Jimmy grinned. "Fair enough, fair enough. Before I let you guys go, I need to know: who's the biggest prankster in the group?"

Three hands pointed directly at Edward. He leaned back with an exaggerated innocent expression. "Me? Never."

Nalani laughed, shaking her head. "He once replaced all the water bottles on stage with pickle juice. I'll never trust him again."

The audience groaned and laughed, with Jimmy's jaw dropping. "Pickle juice? That's a new one! You're brave, Edward."

Mark, now less tense but still watchful, turned to Nicole with a small, relieved smile. "They're pulling it off."

Nicole nodded, eyes twinkling. "We might survive this yet."

Jimmy stood up, signaling the end of the segment. "It's been a pleasure having you all here. Make sure to check out War in the Hell's latest album and catch them on upcoming festivals ! You guys are a riot, and we can't wait to see what you do next."

The crowd applauded as the band stood, shaking hands with Jimmy and exchanging quick waves to the audience. They exited the stage, the cheers still ringing in their ears as they walked back into the green room where Mark and Nicole were waiting.

Mark exhaled, clapping his hands together. "You did it. And no arrests needed."

Edward raised an eyebrow. "Yet."

Nicole rolled her eyes, but her smile was wide. "You were great. Even you, Edward."

The band shared a collective laugh, their earlier nerves forgotten as the night wound down.

.

The studio lights of The Tonight Show had dimmed, the live audience's cheers still echoing in the air, but in the Bad Omens dressing room, the atmosphere was electric in its own way. Noah sat comfortably on the leather couch, his phone resting in his lap, eyes glued to the screen as he watched Nalani and War in the Hell's performance on the live broadcast. He had seen her perform countless times before, but something about seeing her on that stage—on Jimmy Fallon's stage—made his heart swell with a strange, undeniable pride.

Beside him, Jolly, Nick, and Nicolas were sitting back, eyes on the TV as well, but there was no missing the playful smirks on their faces as they exchanged knowing glances.

"Yo, Noah," Jolly said, nudging his elbow into Noah's side. "Look at you. You're practically glowing over there."

Noah didn't take his eyes off the screen. Nalani was standing at the front of the band, her voice cutting through the live recording, fierce and confident. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, a few strands falling loose as she moved to the music, but she owned the stage, the camera capturing every moment of her performance with such intensity that it felt like the world was watching her and only her.

"I'm just proud of her," Noah murmured, his tone so soft, it almost felt like he was talking to himself. But the words didn't go unnoticed.

"Oh, yeah?" Nick teased from the other side of the couch, a grin tugging at his lips. "I bet you're thinking more than 'proud' right now."

Noah finally glanced over at his bandmates, his lips curling into a small, content smile. He didn't answer at first, letting his eyes wander back to the screen as Nalani smiled during the interview, so effortlessly charming, so herself—he was in awe of her. He couldn't help it. The way she owned the moment, the way she commanded the stage, it was like watching a force of nature in motion.

"Look at her, man," Noah said, his voice uncharacteristically soft but filled with emotion. "She's killing it."

Jolly laughed. "We can tell. You're practically drooling."

Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Shut up."

But despite his attempt to brush it off, he couldn't hide the fact that his heart was racing. He was proud of Nalani, of everything she'd accomplished, of everything she was. And even though they'd agreed to keep things private—he didn't want to show too much, didn't want to make it obvious that he was that into her—he was bursting with admiration.

His bandmates, however, weren't about to let him off the hook.

"So, what's the deal, Noah?" Nicolas asked, leaning forward, a teasing glint in his eye. "Are you going to start writing songs for her now? You know, like those cheesy love ballads that always end up on the radio?"

Noah raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile. "You mean, like every band's softest song?" he countered, but his tone was playful.

"Exactly," Jolly chimed in. "But maybe you could write a song about how Nalani made you blush. That could be a hit."

"Very funny, guys," Noah said, his smile growing wider. His eyes flitted back to the screen, where Nalani's interview was now in full swing. She was laughing at something Jimmy Fallon said, her eyes sparkling with warmth, and Noah's chest tightened.

"Man, you're whipped," Nick teased.

Noah let out a breath, running his fingers through his hair. "I'm just... proud of her. Okay? I can't help it."

"Yeah, we get it," Jolly said, nudging him with a playful smirk. "You're whipped, and we're happy for you. But we won't let you forget it."

Noah rolled his eyes, but there was no denying the fondness that spread through his chest as he watched Nalani. The way she was talking, the way she seemed so at ease, it was like she was made for this. And he felt lucky to even be a part of her life, even if no one else knew about it. He couldn't wait for the day when they didn't have to hide, but for now, he was content with just being there for her in whatever way he could.

As the interview ended and the band began to leave the stage, Noah's fingers itched to reach for his phone. He didn't wait. He grabbed it quickly, his heart beating faster as he unlocked the screen and navigated to Nalani's contact.

He texted her, his fingers typing with a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Noah: You crushed it out there. Proud of you.

He stared at the screen for a moment before hitting send, his heart fluttering with each passing second. He wasn't sure what to expect. They'd talked earlier about staying low-key, about keeping things under wraps, but he couldn't help it. He needed to tell her. Needed her to know how proud he was.

It didn't take long for her to reply. Her message popped up almost immediately, making his heart race all over again.

Nalani: Aww, thanks! I was so nervous at first, but the crowd was amazing. You saw it, huh?

Noah chuckled to himself, his smile widening as he read her message. He could picture her sitting somewhere, maybe backstage, scrolling through her phone, completely unaware of how much she'd just lit up his day.

Noah: I couldn't take my eyes off of you. You were incredible. Honestly, I'm still in awe.

He waited for her response, his mind swirling with thoughts of her—the way she moved, the way she spoke, how she had this ability to draw everyone in without even trying. She was something else, something special.

Nalani: Stop it, you're making me blush. You have to stop making me all emotional. I was just doing my thing, you know?

Noah laughed softly, feeling a warmth spread through him. He loved how humble she was, how down-to-earth, even when she was doing something so extraordinary.

Noah: Well, your thing is pretty damn amazing. I'm lucky to have you.

There was a pause, and Noah couldn't help but wonder what she was doing on the other end of the phone. Was she smiling? Was she reading his message with that soft look in her eyes that made him fall for her all over again?

Then, her reply came.

Nalani: I'm lucky to have you, too. I really appreciate your support, Noah.

Her words hit him harder than he expected. He knew she had her moments, the times when she doubted herself or felt overwhelmed by everything. But she was stronger than she gave herself credit for. And the fact that she trusted him with all of that meant more to him than anything.

Noah: You don't need to thank me. I'm just happy I'm here for you.

His thumb hovered over the screen for a moment before he added one last message.

Noah: I'm looking forward to seeing you in person. When our tour is over, I'll be there. I'll be waiting for you.

His heart skipped as he sent the message, his thoughts spinning with excitement and anticipation. He was counting down the days, and he couldn't wait for the moment when they no longer had to hide, when everything could be out in the open. But for now, this was enough.

And as the text bubble popped up with Nalani's reply, Noah felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

Nalani: Me too. I'm counting down the days as well. Let's make sure we don't mess this up, okay?

Noah smiled, his heart full of warmth as he typed out his final message.

Noah: Promise.